Dear Parents/Carers,

It was lovely to have everyone back after half term. 

This week, Year R commenced their learning about their new core text, 'Where's the Elephant?'. The children thoroughly enjoyed their hook activity into their new book where they explored a range of footprints that had been left in the classroom. They made predictions about which animals they thought the footprints had come from and were extremely excited about the term's learning ahead!

Year 1 enjoyed their first week back at school. In particular, they loved their first session with Mr White on Wednesday which focused on developing their throwing and accuracy skills in PE. The children collaborated effectively with one another and supported their friends and teams to be successful by providing positive praise to one another. Well done Year 1!

As part of their English learning, Year 2 were working collaboratively and using their whiteboards to think of expanded noun phrases to describe Fauja Singh - the oldest person to ever run a marathon. This learning was linked to their core text in English, Fauja Singh Keeps Going. This term, the text will be a fantastic opportunity for the children to understand the importance of resilience, determination and perseverance, despite facing initial challenges and ageist assumptions.

Year 3 have an exciting new text this term entitled, The Accidental Prime Minister. As an engaging hook into their new core text, the children worked together to make up their very own rules for the school if they were in charge instead of teachers. The children thought hard about their rules and considered what positive impacts they would make to the school. It was great to observe the Year 3 children demonstrating our Character Skill of Relationships as the children communicated effectively and respectfully with one another.

As part of their art learning, Year 4 enjoyed creating mood boards inspired by the artist, Sandra Silberzweig. The children spent time thinking about their first impression of her artwork before meticulously creating their own mood boards using examples of Sandra Silberzweig's artwork. This learning linked with our Character Skill of Mindset as the children put a lot of effort in their learning and were proud of the outcomes. 

Year 5 have been working hard this week on developing their editing and uplevelling skills. The children wrote their own short narratives and then swapped their pieces of writing with one another. The read through one another's narratives and then provided constructive criticism to support each other in improving their vocabulary, spelling and punctuation choice. The children displayed our character skill of mindset as they listened to the criticism with an open mind and then acted on the feedback appropriately. 

Finally, Year 6 commenced the term with a silent debate giving justifications about who they think deserves to be given a new heart. This learning was associated with their learning about Pig Heart Boy, which is the children's new core text for the term. The children found the decision challenging to make as they all had their own opinions and did not necessarily agree with one another. Their learning linked with our School Value of Respect as the children demonstrated respect when challenging, agreeing and building on one another's viewpoints.

Miss Capes, Mrs Jackson and the Maundene Team

Developing strong oracy skills is crucial for children's success in school and beyond. It empowers them to express themselves confidently, think critically, and engage effectively with others. To support this vital skill, our weekly newsletter will feature fun and engaging oracy activities that families can enjoy together at home, fostering communication and building confidence in your children.